Allotment holders in Woodley have declared the town council “not fit for purpose” for failing to fix perimeter fencing.

The gardeners declared the council was “failing in its duties” to protect the site from vandals at the annual meeting of the Reading Road Allotments’ Tenants Association.

At a packed meeting, 100 tenants voiced their frustration at Woodley Town Council and the long-overdue repairs at the site, declaring their intention to go public “in the hope that this attention will bring the council to its senses”.

There was also unanimous agreement among members that the committee should contact the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners for legal advice.

At the meeting on Friday, March 23, allotment holders were told their offer to repair the fencing themselves had been rejected by Woodley Town Council.

The 300 allotments were repeatedly vandalised last year, forcing desperate tenants to call for razor-wire fencing to keep thieves out.

That plea was rejected but Woodley Town Council did agree to collect a £5 voluntary contribution for repairs on top of the annual tenants’ rent.

Scott Golding, from the association's committee, said tenants were frustrated that no councillors had attended the annual meeting to explain the council's inaction.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: “The council said there was no money for repairs and no labour.

“We found the money through the £5 levy and I have contacted an insurance broker and arranged cover for us to do the work ourselves but the town council has now rejected that.

“The atmosphere at the meeting` was very hostile towards the council.

“With the light nights coming in we are extremely concerned that the vandalism will start again.”

Councillor Beth Rowland, leader of Woodley Town Council, said the allotment holders did have a valid criticism about the repairs, but they were very impatient.

“We have been slow getting started but 30 metres (of fencing) has been replaced in the last few weeks.

“The association only gave us the invitation to the meeting three days before and those who would know anything about it had other things in their diaries.”

Kevin Murray, service support manager at the town council, said the site was being assessed and repairs using welded mesh fencing were ongoing, with the most vulnerable areas being tackled first.